| Where: | Countrywide including Ovingham in Northumberland, at St Mary's Church or Wylam at St Oswin's |
| When: | Usually anytime from late November to early January (most often during December) |
| Time: | Ovingham 10 am - other churches various times |
Christingle services are now common throughout the UK, and are often used as a way to engage younger children with the church using symbolic objects. They are usually based upon an orange to represent the World, with a candle representing Jesus as Light of the World, a red ribbon representing His blood, and fruit and sweets skewered on four cocktail sticks to represent the seasons and Fruits of the Earth. Originating in German speaking countries, the services spread to Britain in the mid twentieth century and are now widespread amongst all denominations, frequently being used to raise money for youth charities. They are often held as part of popular family services, with the candles being lit during the service (and the sweets consumed!).
Helpful Hints
Though associated with Advent, Christingle services can be held any time from late November to Epiphany, so there is no set date or time of day.
As the custom is very widespread I have used an example close to me to illustrate what happens locally.
In Ovingham or Wylam the Christingle Service is usually held on a Sunday in early December – in 2023 it was on Sunday December 17th at St Mary’s Church in Ovingham and funds raised go to the Children’s Society. 2024 details are yet to be announced. The service lasts half-an-hour and may be held at St Oswin’s Church at Wylam or at St Mary’s in Ovingham which belong to the same group of parishes.
Click here for the church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StOswinStMary/
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